On the night of April 29, 2025, the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, a 150-year-old beacon on the Hudson River in New York, was struck by a tugboat-pushed barge, causing significant damage to its dock and access stairs, reports Marine Insight.
The incident, which occurred between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., is being investigated as a hit-and-run, with the vessel failing to stop or report the collision.
A Historic Landmark in Jeopardy
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and named one of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse was already facing structural challenges. A 2022 study warned that the lighthouse could collapse within five years due to erosion and the deterioration of its wooden pilings.
Immediate Impact and Response
The collision destroyed the lighthouse’s dock and stairs, hindering ongoing restoration efforts. While an initial inspection found no damage to the granite base, divers are scheduled to assess potential underwater damage. The tugboat reported the incident to the U.S. Coast Guard the following morning. The captain has been suspended pending investigation.
Preservation Efforts and Future Plans
The Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society (HALPS) has been actively working to preserve the lighthouse. In December 2024, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers allocated $50,000 to study preservation methods, including the construction of a submerged steel curtain to protect the structure from further erosion . HALPS is also planning to install a temporary dock and repair the staircase to facilitate restoration work.
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Source: Marine Insight
